Norway's Election on a Knife Edge: Will Labour Hold Power or Will the Right Rise?

Sat Sep 13 2025 09:24:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Norway approaches its crucial elections, the nation faces a tight race between the ruling Labour Party and a coalition of center-right opponents, with issues of cost of living, taxation, and foreign policy at the forefront.

Norwegians are set to cast their votes in a closely contested election that could decide the fate of the Labour-led government. With rising living costs and public services at the core of voter concerns, candidates from both Labour and the center-right coalition are intensifying their campaigns. Key issues include the controversial wealth tax, responses to international crises in Gaza and Ukraine, and the delicate balancing act of Norway's foreign policy.

Norwegians go to the polls on Sunday and Monday in a tight race to decide whether to continue with a Labour-led government or turn to the centre right.

With just four million voters, Norway is a founding member of NATO, sharing an Arctic border with Russia and participating in the EU's single market, albeit as a non-member state. Despite its small population, Norway has maintained a significant presence on the international stage, which has been particularly relevant during this election due to the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

However, as election day approaches, domestic issues such as the rising cost of living and increasing inequality have taken precedence in the candidates' messaging. Andreas, a father, expressed concerns about public spending on infrastructure, echoing broader voter sentiments.

This election season has also seen a vibrant political atmosphere, exemplified during Norway’s summer political gathering in Arendal where leaders like Labour’s Jonas Gahr Støre and right-wing populist Sylvi Listhaug participated in televised debates.

Støre is aiming for a second term, having ended eight years of conservative governance in 2021. He faces formidable opposition from a coalition of conservative parties, including Listhaug’s Progress Party and the Høyre party led by former Prime Minister Erna Solberg, who seeks to reclaim power.

Key topics in the campaign include the future of Norway's wealth tax, which applies to citizens with assets exceeding 1.76 million Norwegian kroner (£130,000; $175,000). The tax has driven some wealthy citizens abroad, prompting calls from conservatives to abolish it while Labour advocates for a thorough review.

As polls suggest Labour is maintaining a slight lead, the coalition's chances may hinge on whether the combined center-right can form a cohesive government. In this context, discussions about the identity and leadership of a potential new government have emerged, primarily regarding who would serve as prime minister if they win.

Foreign policy issues have also made their mark, especially concerning Norway's sovereign wealth fund, which has recently divested from companies linked to Israeli operations due to human rights concerns, leading to significant controversy during the campaign.

Despite its NATO membership, the election has seen limited discussion on EU membership, a historically polarizing issue in Norway, hinting that parties fear loss of support should they advocate for such policies.

As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Labour can maintain its majority or if the opposition can capitalize on voter frustrations to oust them. The outcome promises to not only shape Norway’s domestic policies but also its future relations on the global stage.